1963 Lotus Elan vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1966 Lotus Elan is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,557 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Lotus Elan (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Lotus Elan weights approximately 102 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1966 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1966 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elan | Elan |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1557 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 696 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
